Search underway for missing hiker at Joshua Tree National Park
Update 3/15/18: Paul Hanks was found Thursday evening, alive and conscious.
According to George Land, the public information officer for the park, Hanks sustained head injuries but was alert and talking to medics. According to JOSAR, Hanks had fallen approximately 20 feet
He is in the process of being transported to the hospital via helicopter.
Read: Missing hiker found conscious in Joshua Tree National Park
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A search is underway for a San Diego hiker missing in Joshua Tree National Park. 54-year-old Paul Hanks has been missing since March 11.
Hanks left San Diego on Sunday to go hiking at Joshua Tree National Park and never checked into his hotel room in Joshua Tree that evening. Hank’s truck was found in the parking lot area at the head of the Maze Loop trail, according to Joshua Tree National Park Search and Rescue.
This isn’t the first time the Maze Loop trail has served as the setting for a missing hiker search.
Rachel Nguyen and Joseph Orbeso initially went missing in Joshua Tree National Park in late July of 2017. Nearly 3 months later, their bodies were found north of the Maze Loop Trail.
JOSAR officials said that an incident command center has been established at the trailhead and 50-plus members were out searching for Hanks on Wednesday.
“No news. We are containing the area tonight by JOSAR members and search will resume at Maze tomorrow morning,” a representative from Joshua Tree Search and Rescue said Wednesday night. “Searchers were out this afternoon on trails searching. No other news”
Anyone having information regarding Hank’s whereabouts or having any other pertinent information is asked to call: 760 367-5518.
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